The Bangladesh cricket team were almost caught up in Friday’s mosque shootings in Christchurch.

The team, who have been on tour in New Zealand, arrived for prayers at the Deans Avenue mosque when the attack was in progress. According to reports they were told to stay on the bus before making their way on foot back to the Hagley Oval cricket ground.

Wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim admitted he and his team-mates had been “extremely lucky”, with 40 people believed to have been killed in the attacks at the Deans Avenue and Linwood Avenue mosques.

Alhamdulillah Allah save us today while shooting in Christchurch in the mosque...we r extremely lucky...never want to see this things happen again....pray for us

On Twitter, the Black Caps confirmed the match at the Hagley Oval, due to begin on Saturday, had been cancelled in light of the events.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch. A joint decision between NZC and the @BCBtigers has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe,” the team said.

New Zealand Police said that three men and one woman had been taken into custody.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by the shocking situation in Christchurch. A joint decision between NZC and the @BCBtigers has been made to cancel the Hagley Oval Test. Again both teams and support staff groups are safe.

David Richardson, the chief executive of the International Cricket Council, said in a statement: “Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to the families and friends of those affected by this horrendous incident in Christchurch.

“Both teams, staff and match officials are safe and the ICC fully supports the decision to cancel the Test match.”

The cancellation of the third and final Test means New Zealand win the series 2-0.